ST. GEORGE, UT — The National Weather Service has placed much of Southern Utah under a Flood Watch after strong rainstorms moved across the region and triggered several Flood Warnings. The watch was issued late Saturday and is set to remain in effect through Sunday evening.
Officials said the combination of fresh storms and runoff from earlier rainfall makes flooding more likely in vulnerable places. Washington County is included in the watch, along with Zion and Capitol Reef National Parks.
Weather officials warned that flood-prone areas may fill quickly and that backcountry roads could become impassable as water collects and moves through low spots.
Warnings posted before dawn for Garfield, Kane and Washington counties
While the broader region remained under watch status, the National Weather Service issued Flood Warnings for several specific areas where flooding was imminent or already happening. Those warnings covered parts of Garfield, Kane and Washington counties.
The warnings were issued between 4:20 a.m. and 4:45 a.m. Sunday and were expected to last until Sunday afternoon. By Sunday afternoon, one warning remained in effect until 5 p.m. for parts of Kane and Washington counties, including Zion National Park.
Officials said the most at-risk places included slot canyons, washes and rivers, where water can rise quickly and catch people off guard.
Runoff from earlier storms raises the flood threat
Forecast offices said excessive runoff is likely because the ground and waterways are already dealing with water from previous storms. That runoff can keep rivers and washes running high even after the heaviest rain has moved on.
The National Weather Service said flood-prone areas could become inundated at times, and that backcountry roads may be difficult or impossible to travel. In areas with steep terrain or narrow channels, water can move much faster than it appears from a distance.
That means flooding can develop in places that are not seeing rain directly. Officials stressed that nearby rainfall or upstream runoff can still send dangerous water into dry washes and streambeds.
Zion National Park and nearby waterways remain a concern
One of the most closely watched areas is Zion National Park, where a flood warning remained active Sunday afternoon. The warning also covered surrounding parts of Kane and Washington counties, both of which have terrain that can funnel stormwater into narrow channels.
The National Weather Service said slot canyons, normally dry washes, rivers, creeks and other low-lying areas may flood as runoff continues. Those conditions can change rapidly, especially in canyon country where water has limited places to spread out.
Officials also said waterways will stay high for some time because runoff from earlier storms is still moving through the system. That can keep riverbanks and crossings hazardous even after rain becomes lighter or stops.
North Fork of the Virgin River swells to dangerous levels
Flooding from heavy rain was described as ongoing Sunday, and the North Fork of the Virgin River showed how quickly conditions can escalate. The river was flowing at about 1,800 cubic feet per second after peaking near 2,100.
Those numbers point to a fast-moving river carrying far more water than normal, with the danger not limited to the channel itself. Strong flow can erode banks, overwhelm low crossings and make nearby ground unstable.
The National Weather Service urged people to stay away from rivers, streams, creeks, culverts and riverbanks. Even areas that look calm can be unsafe when water is moving high and fast.
Hikers and campers told to avoid washes, creeks and riverbanks
Officials said the risk is especially serious for people spending time outdoors in southern Utah’s canyons and river corridors. Campers and hikers were told to avoid streams and creeks, where rising water can cut off escape routes with little warning.
The warning language from weather officials was blunt: dry washes, streams and rivers can become raging currents in a matter of minutes, even when the rain is falling miles away. That makes it important for people to pay attention to upstream storms, not just the weather overhead.
Backcountry roads were also flagged as a concern because runoff can make them unsafe or impassable. In a region where many travel routes cross drainage areas, a sudden rise in water can create immediate access problems.
Flood Watch remains in place through Sunday evening
The Flood Watch covers much of southern Utah through Sunday evening, with the strongest warnings centered on the counties and parks where flooding is most likely to cause harm. Washington County remains part of the broader watch area, while Kane and Garfield counties have also seen specific warnings.
The National Weather Service said the situation is being driven by strong rainstorms and lingering runoff from earlier weather systems. That combination can keep streams, rivers and washes elevated for hours after the rain changes.
For residents, visitors and anyone heading into canyon country, the practical message is to stay alert and avoid low-lying areas. Water conditions can shift quickly, and officials said that even dry-looking channels may become dangerous without much notice.